Triple-barrel combined firearm apparatus

ABSTRACT

A triple-barrel firearm includes three barrels in a triangular array mounted on a rear stock. The rear stock is connected to the firearm rearward of the firearm&#39;s trigger assembly by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly in turn, includes a locking member and a manually-activatable release member whereby the rear stock can be pivoted between a first “fire ready” position distal with respect to the trigger assembly and a second “storage” position proximal with respect to the trigger assembly. The locking member automatically locks the rear stock in the first position or the second position. The release member unlocks the locking member upon manual activation thereof to enable pivoting of the rear stock from the first position to the second position or vice versa. The rear stock further includes an opening for a retainer for firearm accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to firearms, and more specifically, to triple-barrel combined firearms of the break-open, breech-loading type.

In my prior patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,063, I fully disclose and claim a triple-barrel shotgun of the foregoing type. In that patented device, each of the three barrels has the same gauge for receiving identically sized shells. If at least one of the barrels of this firearm were to be rifled to accept a standard rifle bullet cartridge, a combined firearm will result combining the advantages of a shotgun and a rifle in a unitary gun with substantially enhanced flexibility of use. For example, when hunting game, it would be desirable to have a single firearm that has the dual capability of using a rifle for long range and a shotgun for short range targeting. It would be further desirable to provide a firearm of the forgoing type that a folding rear stock so that the firearm could be collapsed into a more compact form when being stored away and/or not used.

Accordingly, briefly summarized, the present invention provides a firearm of the break-open, breech-loading type having three barrels, at least one which preferably is rifled to accept a standard rifle cartridge and bullet of selected size, and the other two of which preferably are smooth-bore to accept shot gun shells of a selected gauge thereby producing a single firearm having the dual advantages and capabilities of both a shotgun and a rifle. Additionally, the rear stock of the firearm is hingedly connected to the firearm rearward of the firearm's trigger assembly. The hinge assembly includes a locking member and a manually-activatable release member whereby the rear stock can be folded or pivoted between a first “fire ready” position distal with respect to the trigger assembly and a second “storage” position proximal with respect to the trigger assembly. The locking member automatically locks the rear stock in the first position or the second position. The release member unlocks the locking member upon manual activation thereof to pivot the rear stock from the first position to the second position or vice versa. The rear stock further includes an opening for a retainer for firearm accessories.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the specification proceeds, and the novel features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and the above object as well as objects other than those set forth above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the first preferred embodiment of the invention showing the breach of the gun in an open condition.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, wherein the dashed outline shows the barrel of the firearm in the “break open” position (breach open).

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the barrel of the first preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a second alternatively preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a third alternatively preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the barrel of a fourth alternatively preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of a fifth alternatively preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view of a sixth alternatively preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially exposed side view of the first preferred embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 1-4 schematically showing the trigger and firing mechanism thereof.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frontal portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 schematically showing screw-in choke tubes employed with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a seventh alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention showing the firearm including a pivotal-folding stock assembly according to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention of FIG. 7 showing the pivotal-folding stock in the folded or compact storage condition.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is enlarged portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 indicated by the circle 10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view based upon FIG. 10 showing activation of the locking/unlocking assembly of the pivotal-folding stock of the invention via opposed push-buttons mounted on the assembly.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an eighth alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention showing an open-frame pivotal-folding stock including resilient retainers for storing chokes and shotgun shells or the like within the interior space defined by the open framework stock.

FIG. 14 is cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of my new and improved triple-barrel combined firearm apparatus will now be described in detail, it being understood that the foregoing detailed description is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art and therefore, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents falling within the broad scope of the subject matter described herein may be resorted to in carrying out the present invention.

Substantially as depicted in FIGS. 1-4A, the first preferred embodiment of the invention is similar to the triple-barrel shotgun shown and described in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,063, which patent disclosure hereby is incorporated herein by this reference and made part of this specification. Thus, a firearm is provided comprising first top barrel 10 resting on and between second and third bottom barrels 11 and 12, respectively. The three barrels 10, 11, and 12 which preferably are fabricated from a single piece of suitable gun metal, are joined to a suitable hand-grip 22, which in turn, is attached to stock 14. A recoil-cushion or shock absorbing pad 15 terminates the stock 14 at the distal rear extremity of the firearm.

Stock 14 further includes a “break open” lever 13 which when actuated opens the breach and exposes the three rearward open chambers of the barrels 10, 11, and 12 substantially as depicted in FIG. 1. In this “break open” or “breach open” condition of the firearm apparatus, the front of the firearm points downwardly as represented by the dashed lines 23 in FIG. 3. The trigger assembly 24 which allows an individual to fire the firearm also is supported on stock 14 and as disclosed in my prior '063 patent can include various known trigger and firing pin arrangements including multiple triggers to achieve intended results of firing ammunition in a desired sequence with regard to the triple barrel configuration. A top barrel ventilated rib 30 is attached integrally and longitudinally to barrel 10 to help dissipate heat and provide support for a sight bead 31.

When the “break open” lever 13 is activated (i.e. pushed to the side), the breach is opened causing barrels 10, 11, and 12, and the hand-grip 22 to pivot downwardly about pivot pin connection 42. This action ejects shells or cartridges from the barrels 10, 11 and 12 via the ejector assembly 40 and its associated ejector arms 41 a, 41 b and 41 c all as more specifically described in column 3, lines 49-56 of my prior '063 patent, incorporated herein by reference.

In one aspect, the firearm apparatus of the present invention differs from my prior patented shotgun by the provision of at least one “rifle barrel” in the three barrel triangular arrangement shown. As is well known, a rifle barrel has an internal spiral groove or the like machined or otherwise formed into its interior surface to impart spin to the bullet or projectile traveling down the barrel. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, in the first preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-4A), barrel 10 is smaller in diameter then barrels 11 and 12 (which are smooth bore or shot gun barrels) and has a “rifled” interior surface 10 a running its entire longitudinal extent. More specifically, and preferably speaking, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4A, the barrel 10 is suitably dimensioned to accept a 45 caliber bullet whereas barrels 11 and 12 are suitably dimensioned to accept a 20 gauge shot gun shell, respectively.

Of course, it will be appreciated that that dimensions of the individual barrels in the combined barrel array may be varied to meet individual requirements. Thus, in FIG. 4B, a second alternatively preferred arrangement is depicted where the rifle barrel or bullet size is 30-06 and the shotgun shell size is 12 gauge whereas in FIG. 4C, a third alternatively preferred arrangement is depicted where the rifle barrel 10 is suitably dimensioned to accept a 22 caliber bullet and shot gun barrels 11 and 12 are suitably sized to accept a 410 gauge shot gun shell, respectively.

It will be appreciated further that with respect to FIGS. 4A-4C, the different barrel configurations when viewed in cross-section, substantially as depicted, generally form a triangular array characterized by first, second and third barrels where one barrel rests on two lower barrels. It will be understood that the reverse arrangement (FIGS. 4A-4C rotated 180 degrees) could just as easily be adopted where two barrels rest on a single lower barrel, these latter arrangements are not being shown in the drawings to for the sake of economy of presentation.

In order to select which barrel is operative when the trigger of trigger assembly 24 is pulled, the apparatus includes a safety and/or barrel selector switch 43 located behind “break open” lever 13 (FIGS. 1 and 5). Operation of the switch 43 is effective via a suitable mechanism indicated generally by reference sign 110 (FIG. 5) located in the stock above trigger assembly 24 to select a hammer and associated firing pin corresponding to the selected barrel, all as fully disclosed in my prior '063 patent in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9 therein (column 4, lines 4-63), incorporated herein by reference.

As schematically shown in FIG. 6, a conventional screw-in choke tube 100 can be removably attached to either or both shot gun barrels 11 and 12. The choke tube 100 has a ported front end portion 101 and suitable screw threads 102 on its back end portion adapted to engage complimentary threads (unlabeled) suitably embedded in interior surface of the front portion of each barrel 11 or 12. Choke tubes 100 can be employed to control the pattern of shot emanating from either shot gun barrel 11 or 12, as is well known in the art.

In yet another or seventh alternatively preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 7-14, the firearm apparatus of the present invention differs in another aspect from my prior patented shotgun by the provision of a foldable or pivotal gun stock 14 a. Stock 14 a, which preferably includes the usual cushion or pad 15 a, is pivotally joined or hinged to a rearward extension 60 of a portion of the firearm housing including trigger assembly 24 by way of a push-button-axle assembly generally indicated by reference sign 62, the details of which will be more fully explained subsequently.

Rearward extension 60 terminates in a reduced thickness tongue portion 64 of rectangular cross-sectional shape which, in turn, is adapted to be received within a suitable complimentary recess or channel 66 preferably of rectangular cross-sectional shape provided in stock member 14 a (FIG. 9). The rear wall 68 of recess or channel 66 provides an abutment stop against and with respect to confronting edge 70 of tongue portion 64 when the stock is pivotally folded or hinged about the pivot axis defined by push-button-axle assembly 62 between a folded compact storage condition and an unfolded fire-ready condition, substantially as indicated in FIG. 8 by arrow 72 and the broken-line outline of stock 14 a. It will be appreciated that in the unfolded “fire-ready” condition, the stock 14 a is located distally with respect to the trigger assembly 24 whereas in the folded “storage or non-use” condition, the stock 14 a is located proximally to the trigger assembly 24, substantially as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Push-button-axle assembly 62 not only supports foldable stock 14 a on the rear portion of the firearm (extension 60, tongue 64) for pivotal movement as aforesaid, but furthermore provides means for automatically locking the foldable stock 14 a relative to the firearm in each of two conditions, i.e. folded/storage, and unfolded/operative or fire ready. More specifically, push-button-axle assembly 62 comprises a transverse insert located in a central, preferably cylindrical, recess 74 extending commonly through stock 14 a and extension 64 (FIG. 10). Central recess 74 terminates in a pair of opposed enlarged openings 76, 78 (preferably cylindrical) intercepting the outer surfaces 80, 82, respectively, of corresponding opposed bifurcated portions 84, 86 of stock 14 a as viewed in FIG. 10. In accordance with the invention, the common central recess 74, indicated by dashed line 88, defines an imaginary central rotation or hinge axis for the foldable, rotatable stock 14 a relative to the extension 64 and therefor the rear portion or remainder of the firearm. It will be noted, that such hinge axis 88 lies generally transverse to the longitudinal barrel axis of the firearm.

A pair of preferably cylindrical, opposed plunger members 90, 92 are disposed in central recess 74 separated by a resilient member, such as a conventional spiral compression spring 94. The plunger members 90, 92 are suitably affixed to preferably cylindrical push-buttons 96, 98, respectively. A pair of collars or bushings 104, 106 are respectively affixed or seated in the enlarged openings 76, 78, and the push-buttons are, in turn, seated generally co-axially within bushings 96, 98, substantially as shown. Collars or bushings 96, 98 are suitably fixed relative to bifurcated portions 84, 86 as by being press-fitted therein, respectively, whereas push-buttons 96, 98 are adapted, respectively, to travel or slide axially along axis 88 toward compression spring 94 when depressed inwardly (FIG. 12).

Turning for the moment to FIGS. 10-12, a radially extending key or locking lug 108, 110 respectively is fixedly seated suitably within a corresponding recess in each plunger member 90, 92. Each locking lug 108, 110, in turn, is adapted to be slidingly received in either one of two angularly displaced slots 112, 114 in each collar or bushing 104, 106 under the influence of compression spring 94 resiliently acting upon each plunger member 90, 92, respectively. In this regard, it is to be noted that slots 112 and 114 are located on the inside annular edge of each bushing 104, 106, respectively, and extend partially axially substantially as depicted to define a corresponding reception notch. For example, in FIG. 11 (folded condition of stock 14 a), locking lug 108 is shown engaging bushing 104 by being received within the reception notch defined by slot 112.

In accordance with the invention, the push-button insert assembly is suitable securely fixed to firearm extension 64 by suitable known means (not shown to avoid obfuscation). The bifurcated portions 80, 82 of stock 14 a and the corresponding bushings 104 and 106 seated therein and affixed to stock 41 a are freely supported on the insert and allowed to rotate about axis 88. However, in two positions of the stock 14 a, namely, the folded condition and the operative ready-to-fire condition (see FIGS. 7 and 8), the stock 14 a is locked in place by the engagement of locking lugs 108 and 110 in their corresponding reception notches on bushings 104 and 106, respectively. In order to unlock the stock 14 a for movement between the folded condition to the unfolded condition or vice versa, all that is necessary is to depress push-buttons 96, 98 to cause the plungers 90 and 92 to travel toward each other axially (along axis 88) thereby compressing spring 94 and causing the locking lugs 108 and 110 to move axially inwardly toward each other into the enlarged spaces 76 and 78, substantially as depicted in FIG. 12. When stock 14 a then is moved to its new condition (position), and the push buttons 96 and 98 are released, either one of the slots 112, 114 depending upon the angular position of the stock will come into axial alignment with confronting locking lugs 108 and 110, and the lugs will be resiliently urged to enter the appropriate reception slot by the action of spiral spring 94 thereby again causing automatic locking action of the stock 14 a relative to the firearm in the new condition.

Turning now to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is shown an eighth alternately preferred variation of the present invention wherein the folding stock 14 a, designated 14 b, features an “open frame” construction. A polygonally-shaped opening or recess 118 in stock 14 b provides room for a transverse strut member 120 dividing the interior space defined by opening 118 into two compartments. In the first such compartment, located proximal to end bar 15 b, a transverse shot-gun shell retainer fence 122 is mounted substantially as shown. Fence 122 includes spaced retainer grooves, each suitably sized and shaped to resiliently engage and support a shotgun shell 124 or the like. In this manner, the first compartment can be used to conveniently store shotgun shells (or other ordinance) during use of the firearm.

In the second compartment, defined by opening 118 in stock 14 b, located proximal to push-button-insert assembly 62, a second transverse retainer fence 22 b (similar to fence 22) is provided to resiliently engage and support a pair of chokes 100 (FIG. 6), substantially as shown. In this manner, the second compartment can be used to conveniently store chokes during use of the firearm.

As mentioned above, in one of its aspects, the present invention contemplates at least one of the barrels 10, 11 or 12 being rifled to accept bullets in lieu of shot gun shells to yield a single firearm that has attributes of both a shot gun and a rifle. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that arrangements where two of the three barrels are rifled, or even where all three barrels are rifled, or where the rifled barrel (or barrels) are positioned on the bottom of the triangular array (instead of on top as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C of the drawings) also are within the compass of the present invention.

More specifically, in this respect, FIG. 4D schematically illustrates a fourth alternatively preferred arrangement where a pair of rifle barrels 10 b and 10 c, respectively, are positioned below a smooth-bore (shotgun) barrel 11 a; and FIG. 4E schematically illustrates a fifth alternatively preferred arrangement where each of the three rifle barrels 10 d, 10 e and 10 f, respectively, are rifle barrels having a “rifled” longitudinal bore 10 a and wherein the caliber of each rifle barrel is different with respect to the others, i.e. barrel 10 d is smallest, barrel 10 e has a caliber larger than that of barrel 10 d, and barrel 10 f has a caliber larger than barrel 10 e, substantially as depicted. It will be appreciated that in this alternatively preferred embodiment of FIG. 4E, the location of each barrel of differing caliber relative to the other barrels is not critical. Thus, while barrel 10 d of smallest caliber is shown positioned on top in FIG. 4E, either of the other two barrels 10 e and/or 10 f might be positioned on top as well.

Finally, FIG. 4F schematically illustrates a sixth alternatively preferred embodiment where each of the three rifle barrels 10 g is a rifle barrel having a “rifled” longitudinal bore 10 a, and where the caliber of each rifle barrel 10 g is substantially the same as the others, substantially as depicted.

As above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4C, the different barrel configurations of FIGS. 4D-4F when viewed in cross-section, substantially as depicted, generally form a triangular array characterized by first, second and third barrels where one barrel rests on two lower barrels. Here again, it will be understood that the reverse arrangement (FIGS. 4D-4F rotated 180 degrees) could just as easily be adopted where two barrels rest on a single lower barrel, these latter arrangements not being shown in the drawings for the sake of economy of presentation.

An arrangement where all three barrels is a smooth bore or shotgun barrel is fully disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,063 (incorporated herein by reference). Thus, it will be clear that the unique combination of such triple-barrel “shotgun” and the folding stock of FIGS. 7-14 also is within the contemplation of the present invention.

In summary, it should be appreciated from the foregoing, that an important feature of the present invention is the novel combination of a triple-barrel firearm, regardless of the particular arrangement of the three barrels making up the array, with a folding stock (e.g. FIGS. 7-14) and the annexed claims should be construed as and so broadly.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need be provided.

Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use. For example, the hinge axis for the foldable, rotatable stock 14 a relative to the extension 64 and therefor the rear portion or remainder of the firearm can be positioned vertically as viewed in FIGS. 7 and 8, in which case the stock 14 a can be arranged to pivot or fold orthogonally relative to the remainder of the firearm or in a direction “in and out” of the plane of these drawing FIGS. 7 and 8, as will occur to a person of ordinary skill in this art.

Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification. 

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:
 1. A combined firearm apparatus comprising: a stock, first, second and third barrels supported by said stock, and a firing mechanism supported by said stock for selectively firing through a corresponding one of said first, second, or third barrels, respectively, a trigger assembly mounted on said stock and being operatively connected to said first, second and third barrels via said firing mechanism, wherein said first, second and third barrels form an array characterized by a substantially triangular cross-section, a barrel selector supported on said stock, said barrel selector being operative to select one of said first, second or third barrels for firing when said trigger assembly is activated, and wherein said stock is a rear stock and is hingedly connected to said firearm apparatus rearwardly of said trigger assembly.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first, second or third barrels being rifled interiorly thereof to accept a rifle bullet.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 at least one of said barrels is a smooth bore barrel adapted to receive a shot gun shell, said smooth bore barrel further being adapted to receive a removable choke adapted to be attached to said smooth bore barrel.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first, second and third barrels are supported on a hand-grip, said hand grip being pivotally connected to said stock by a connecting pin, and wherein said apparatus further includes a break-open lever for causing said first, second and third barrels and said hand-grip to pivot downwardly and away from said stock about said connecting pin.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one of said barrels being rifled is sized to accept a bullet size selected from the group comprising: 45 caliber, 30-06, or 22 caliber.
 6. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said other of said second and third barrels being adapted to receive a shot gun shell are sized to select a shotgun shell selected from the group comprising, 20 gauge, 12 gauge or 410 gauge.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said trigger assembly includes a rearward extension and said rear stock is connected to said extension by a hinge assembly.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said trigger assembly includes a rearward extension and said rear stock is connected to said extension by a hinge assembly, said hinge assembly defining a rotation axis transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by said first, second and third barrels.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said hinge assembly includes a locking member and a manually-activatable release member, wherein said rear stock is pivotal about said rotation axis between a first position distal with respect to said trigger assembly and a second position proximal with respect to said trigger assembly, wherein said hinge assembly further includes means for automatically causing said locking member to lock said rear stock in said first position or said second position relative to said trigger assembly, and wherein said release member is effective to unlock said locking member upon manual activation thereof to pivot said rear stock from said first position to said second position or vice versa.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said locking member and said manually-activatable release member are co-axially related to each other with respect to said rotation axis.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said locking member includes a plunger, a radial lug on said plunger, a spring, and a bushing on said rear stock, said bushing having a reception notch for receiving said radial lug under the influence of said spring acting on said plunger, and wherein said release member includes a push-button for moving said plunger to cause said lug to be withdrawn from said reception notch.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said bushing, said plunger and said spring are coaxially related to each other and to said rotation axis.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rear stock has an opening therein for storing firearm accessories.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said firearm accessories are selected from the group consisting of shot gun shells or chokes.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said rear stock includes a resilient retainer in said opening, said retainer further having grooves for receiving and supporting said firearm accessories within said opening in said rear stock.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first, second or third barrels has a smooth bore for accepting a shotgun shell and at least one other of said first, second or third barrels is rifled to accept a bullet.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first, second or third barrels form an array characterized by a substantially triangular cross-section, said array comprises at least one smooth bore barrel adapted to receive a shot gun shell, and at least one rifled barrel adapted to receive a bullet, respectively.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first, second or third barrels forming said array characterized by a substantially triangular cross-section comprises first and second smooth bore barrels adapted to receive a shot gun shell, respectively, and a rifled barrel adapted to receive a bullet, respectively.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first, second or third barrels is a rifled barrel, and said at first, second or third rifled barrel substantially are of are of the same caliber.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said wherein said first, second or third barrels is a rifled barrel, and said at first, second or third rifled barrel substantially are of are of different caliber. 